Attractions

WHAT’S ON AT GATEWAY THIS FESTIVE SEASON

Published

12 years ago

1 December 2013

Tee

Visitors to Gateway can look forward to an exciting and fun filled festive season line up which has something for everyone. This year’s lineup includes a Teen Zone which will allow teens to interact with top brands on a daily basis, a children’s court that will transport children back in time to the age of the dinosaurs and a shopper competition with prizes valued at over R500 000.

Music lovers can look forward to many awesome events and performances such as chart-topping singer and songwriter, Maxwell; the world’s current number one DJ, Hardwell and multi-platinum selling rock band, The Parlotones.

Gateway’s Teen Zone

From 7-24 December teenagers will be able to enjoy our Teen Zone, situated at the Wave House, which will provide an opportunity for them to interact with the latest technology and coolest brands. The Teen Zone will also offer fun and free activities. Teen Zone will operate from 9am to 9pm daily.

Gateway to the Lost World

We have great entertainment for the little ones, Gateway to the Lost World, the children’s court, will run from 7 – 24 December. The court will transport children back in time to the age of Dinosaurs and allow them personal interaction with these historic creatures. The children’s court will operate from 9am to 7pm daily.

A December to Remember Shopper Competition

Gateway shoppers will be spoiled in the days leading up to Christmas with great daily prizes and the ultimate in Christmas gifts – a luxury holiday at Karkloof Spa valued at R100 000, Caviar dining experience valued at R50 000, his and hers Vernon White jewellery set valued at R15 000 and R10 000 in Gateway gift cards. The daily prize draws will commence on 11 December and end on 23 December 2013. The overall winner will be announced at a draw, live on 24 December 2013.

THE WAVE HOUSE

DOUBLE GRAMMY SOUL MEGASTAR, MAXWELL TO PERFORM AT THE WAVE HOUSE

Chart-topping singer, songwriter, musician and producer, Maxwell will be on stage for one night only at the Wave House on Monday, 9 December 2013.

Maxwell fans are in for a musical treat when this sensational ambassador of soul sings a mix of his earlier classic songs and recent numbers from first of the ‘BLACK summers’ night trilogy albums. Maxwell is ready to give old fans and new ones a sensory experience that he never fails to deliver.

Don’t miss an evening of superlative soul and R&B entertainment. Book now at Computicket. Doors open at 17h30 and the show will start at 19h30. Tickets cost R390 for general access and R950 for golden circle.

DJ HARDWELL WORLD TOUR

Electric Music SA will be bringing the number one DJ to South Africa this December.

The `I AM Hardwell’ South Africa Tour promises all-night feasts for the ears and eyes with the house music producer incorporating spectacular visuals and artwork into his thumping sets.

DJ Hardwell is popular for his remixes of tracks by Rihanna and the rock band, ‘The Naked and Famous’, as he is for his own original material, like ‘Spaceman’, which was his most successful hit of 2012.

The 25 year old Dutch, DJ Hardwell, who only entered the DJ Mag Top 100 in 2011, has shot to the number one spot in just three years.

DJ Hardwell will perform at the Wave House at Gateway on 5 December 2013. Tickets cost R365 per person and are available from Computicket.

THE PARLOTONES

“Stand like Giants” the brand new album from The Parlotones has just been released at retailers nationwide.

Filled with sweeping lyrics and introspective melodies, the album is pure Parlotones.

The Parlotones have cemented their reputation as a fiery force to be reckoned with on stage. Fans are confronted with the sight of powerfully expressive front man, Kahn Morbee leading the band – which also includes guitarist Paul Hodgson, bassist Glen Hodgson and drummer, Neil Pauw – to soaring emotional heights.

The Parlotones have crafted the kind of melody-minded, arena-filling songs that transcended language and barriers.

Catch The Parlotones on their national tour at Wave House, Gateway on the 29^th of December. Tickets cost R180 at www.webtickets.co.za and R200 at the gate. Doors open at 18h00.

THE BARNYARD THEATRE

BLARNEY BROTHERS

Join The Barnyard Theatre at Gateway on Sunday, 15 December for a special family concert with Durban’s legendary Irish band, the Blarney Brothers, to celebrate the Day of Reconciliation the next day.

With the Blarney Brothers you can be sure of a great big, foot-stomping, sing-along party. Their music is a mixture of Irish ballads, foot-tapping pub songs, popular new songs and the occasional Irish jig.

The theatre will open at 18h00, the show will start at 19h30 and tickets are R120 per person. For bookings and enquiries, please contact The Barnyard Theatre on 031 566 3045, email gateway@barnyardtheatres.co.za or visit www.barnyardtheatres.co.za for more information.

FESTIVE SEASON TRADING HOURS

· Friday, 6 December – Thursday, 12 December 2013: 09h00 – 21h00

· Friday, 13 December – Monday, 23 December 2013: 09h00 – 22h00

· Tuesday, 24 December 2013: 09h00 – 21h00

· Wednesday, 25 December 2013: Voluntary Trading

· Thursday, 26 December 2013 – Thursday, 2 January 2014: 09h00 – 21h00

· Tuesday, 31 December 2013: 09h00 – 20h00

· Wednesday, 1 January 2014: Voluntary Trading

· Friday, 3 January 2014: 09h00 – 21h00

SECURITY AT GATEWAY THEATRE OF SHOPPING DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

During the festive season our main priority is safeguarding our shoppers and tenants. Additional security personnel have been allocated to enhance security during this time.

We’re continuously working with the local police services to ensure that the correct measures are in place in the event of an emergency.

In addition to this, our retailers who have their own security arrangements within their own premises, operate their own surveillance cameras in their areas.

All our security technologies are checked constantly and all efforts are made to increase tenant and shopper awareness around this period as well.

We advise our shoppers to always be vigilant and careful with their personal belongings – either in their vehicles or on their person.

Shoppers should not leave any valuables in their vehicles and should physically check that their vehicles are locked when using a remote locking device.

Look out for Gateway Theatre of Shopping on Facebook and Twitter (@GatewayUmhlanga).

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Author: Tee

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1 Comment

Kyle

6 December 2013 at 2:19 pm

I just wanted to find out what time the hardwell concert started and ended. Thanks

Reply

Attractions

Familie Fest 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

5 February 2026

mrjoelmagic

Familie Fest 2026 Brings Live Music and Family Fun to Hillcrest

Everything You Need to Know About Familie Fest 2026

Familie Fest arrives in Hillcrest for a full weekend of live music, family-friendly entertainment and relaxed festival energy, taking place on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 May 2026 at NU Driving Range.

Designed as an all-ages outdoor music festival, Familie Fest brings together South African artists, open space, activities for kids and adults, and a format that allows families and friend groups to spend the entire day together without feeling rushed.

Event Details

Date: Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026
Venue: NU Driving Range Fields, Hillcrest
Time: From 10am daily
Age Restriction: All ages
Bar Area: Over 18s only

Tickets available via:
• Familie Fest Website
• Webtickets
• Utickets

Ticket Pricing

• Kids under 4: Free
• Kids 4–12: From R129
• Teens 13–17: From R145
• Adults: From R199 to R245

Group Ticket Specials

• Buy 5 tickets, get 1 free: R1,250
• Buy 9 tickets, get 1 free: R2,100

Group tickets are limited and valid for adults or kids.

Camping add-ons are available separately and include access to a secure camp zone with toilets, showers, lighting and security.

Line-up (More to Be Announced)

The initial line-up includes a mix of established and popular South African acts:

• Francois van Coke
• Kurt Darren
• Van Pletzen
• Veranda Panda
• Appel

Friday features acoustic-focused sessions, while Saturday hosts the main acts. Additional artists will be announced closer to the event.

What to Expect

Familie Fest is structured as a full-day festival rather than an evening-only concert, with gates opening at 10am and activities running throughout the day and into the evening.

Across the festival grounds, attendees can expect:
• Live music performances
• A dedicated kids zone
• Arts and crafts activities
• Food and drink vendors
• Potjie competitions
• Access to the driving range
• Putt putt, go-karts and paintball
• Optional secure camping facilities

The layout allows families to spread out, relax and move between music, activities and rest areas at their own pace.

What You Can and Can’t Bring

Allowed:
Umbrellas, camp chairs, blankets, gazebos, bags, towels, baby gear.

Not Allowed:
Cooler boxes, outside food and drink, weapons, fireworks, sound systems, pets, sports or play equipment, bikes or braais.

Camp Zone Only:
Cooler boxes, food and drink, and braais are permitted within the designated camping area.

Why Familie Fest Works

Familie Fest positions itself as a genuinely inclusive festival, catering to families with young children, teens, and adults who want to enjoy live music without the pressure of a late-night-only format. With space to move, activities beyond the main stage, and a line-up that appeals across age groups, it offers a different kind of festival experience for the KZN calendar.

For families looking to introduce kids to live music, groups planning a social weekend, or anyone wanting an outdoor festival that runs at a comfortable pace, Familie Fest ticks all the right boxes.

Author: mrjoelmagic

Attractions

Midlands Meander Turns 40

Published

1 month ago

19 January 2026

Carla Wynne

Midlands Meander Association Celebrates 40 Years of Craft, Cuisine and Countryside Founded in 1985, the landmark arts-and-crafts route marks four decades of growth and looks to a digital future.

This year the Midlands Meander Association proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary. What began in 1985 as a small, creative collaboration of local potters, weavers and artists, has grown into one of South Africa’s best-known artisan tourism routes — a thriving network of accommodation, studios, eateries and attractions that showcases the unique culture and hospitality of the KZN Midlands.

The Meander’s origin story is simple. In 1985 a handful of creatives met at Caversham Mill and decided to work together, opening their studios to the public as a collective way to increase visibility and sales. That grassroots idea expanded steadily; the route now spans roughly 80 kilometres and includes well over 100 member businesses offering a rich tapestry of experiences—from artisanal handmade crafts and cozy country kitchens to world-class accommodation, enchanting wedding venues, and exceptional conferencing facilities.

Over four decades the Midlands Meander has become synonymous with warm hospitality, local craftsmanship, culinary creativity and outdoor adventure. The Association continues to play a central role in promoting the Midlands as a cultural and tourism destination. As it celebrates 40 years, the Meander is not only honouring its heritage but also investing in the future — expanding member services, promoting sustainable tourism, and embracing digital platforms to make the route easier to explore for both domestic and international visitors.

This year the Association is rolling out new digital initiatives designed to support members and connect visitors with experiences across the route. These moves reflect the organisation’s ongoing strategy to create a networking community, modernise marketing, increase bookings for small businesses and grow exposure for members while preserving the authentic, local character that makes the Meander special.

“From a handful of studios to a beloved tourism route, the Midlands Meander is a testament to creative collaboration and community,” said a Midlands Meander spokesperson. “As we celebrate 40 years, we’re thankful to the members, artists, hoteliers and visitors who have shaped the Meander. We’re excited about our digital offerings and our plans to continue growing in ways that benefit local businesses and visitors alike.”

The Association will mark the anniversary with a series of promotional campaigns throughout the year.

For more information:
visit: www.midlandsmeander.co.za
contact: info@midlandsmeander.co.za / +27 (0)33 330 8195 or +27 (0)69 725 1916
follow: instagram
follow: facebook